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Clinical Labs & Imaging Centers Industry Acronyms

Clinical Labs & Imaging Centers Industry Acronyms

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This glossary covers specialized acronyms used across diagnostic services within Healthcare. It helps executives, clinicians, laboratory professionals, imaging teams, and advisors working in the Clinical Labs & Imaging Centers Practice interpret operational, technical, quality, safety, regulatory, and reimbursement terminology consistently.

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18F-FDG Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose:
A radiolabeled glucose analog used in positron emission tomography to identify metabolically active tissue in oncology, neurology, cardiology, and inflammatory disease imaging.
99mTc Technetium-99m:
A widely used diagnostic radionuclide whose favorable half-life and gamma emissions support numerous nuclear medicine examinations.
A
AAPM American Association of Physicists in Medicine:
A professional organization that publishes technical guidance on imaging quality, radiation dose, equipment performance, and medical physics practice.
ABG Arterial Blood Gas:
A laboratory test measuring blood pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and related parameters to evaluate respiratory and metabolic status.
ABN Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage:
A Medicare notice used when a laboratory test or imaging service may not be covered, allowing the patient to understand potential financial responsibility before service.
ABR American Board of Radiology:
The certifying board for radiologists, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists in the United States, commonly referenced in credentialing and quality oversight.
ACMG American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics:
A professional organization whose standards guide genetic test interpretation, reporting, and laboratory practice.
ACR Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio:
A urine test used to detect and monitor albuminuria, particularly in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease.
ACR American College of Radiology:
A professional organization that develops imaging appropriateness criteria, accreditation programs, technical standards, and structured reporting systems.
ADC Apparent Diffusion Coefficient:
A quantitative magnetic resonance imaging measure of water diffusion used to characterize tissue cellularity and distinguish certain lesions.
ADLT Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Test:
A statutory Medicare classification for qualifying high-complexity tests that affects pricing, reporting, and Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule treatment.
AEC Automatic Exposure Control:
An imaging system function that adjusts or terminates radiation exposure to achieve adequate image quality while controlling patient dose.
AFB Acid-Fast Bacillus:
A bacteriologic classification central to microscopy, culture, and molecular testing for mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis.
ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable:
A radiation-protection principle requiring exposures to be minimized while accounting for diagnostic needs and practical constraints.
ALP Alkaline Phosphatase:
An enzyme measured in chemistry testing to assess hepatobiliary disease, bone turnover, and related conditions.
ALT Alanine Aminotransferase:
A commonly measured enzyme used to evaluate hepatocellular injury and monitor liver health.
AMR Analytical Measurement Range:
The concentration interval over which an assay can directly produce valid quantitative results without additional specimen dilution or concentration.
AMP Association for Molecular Pathology:
A professional organization that develops practice recommendations and educational resources for molecular diagnostic testing.
ANA Antinuclear Antibody:
An immunology test used to support evaluation of systemic autoimmune diseases, often followed by more specific antibody testing.
AP Anatomic Pathology:
The branch of pathology focused on diagnosing disease through examination of tissues, cells, and surgical specimens.
aPTT Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time:
A coagulation assay used to evaluate the intrinsic and common clotting pathways and to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy.
ARDMS American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography:
A credentialing organization for sonographers and other ultrasound professionals, frequently referenced in staffing and accreditation requirements.
ARRT American Registry of Radiologic Technologists:
A credentialing organization that certifies and registers professionals in radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, mammography, and related disciplines.
ASCP American Society for Clinical Pathology:
A professional organization and credentialing body for pathologists and laboratory personnel, widely recognized in hiring and competency assessment.
ASR Analyte Specific Reagent:
A regulated reagent used to detect or measure a particular chemical substance or genetic sequence when developing or performing diagnostic tests.
AST Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing:
Testing that determines whether a microorganism is susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to specific antimicrobial agents, supporting treatment selection and resistance surveillance.
AST Aspartate Aminotransferase:
An enzyme measured in chemistry testing to help evaluate liver, cardiac, and skeletal muscle injury.
AUC Appropriate Use Criteria:
Evidence-based criteria used to assess whether an advanced diagnostic imaging service is suitable for a patient’s clinical condition.
B
BBP Bloodborne Pathogens:
Infectious microorganisms transmitted through blood or certain body fluids that require exposure-control plans, safe work practices, and staff training.
BI-RADS Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System:
A standardized framework for breast imaging terminology, assessment categories, management recommendations, and audit metrics.
BMD Bone Mineral Density:
A quantitative measure, commonly obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, used to diagnose osteoporosis and estimate fracture risk.
BMP Basic Metabolic Panel:
A group of chemistry tests that typically evaluates glucose, electrolytes, kidney function, and calcium for routine clinical assessment.
BNP B-Type Natriuretic Peptide:
A cardiac biomarker used to support the diagnosis and management of heart failure.
BSC Biological Safety Cabinet:
A ventilated containment enclosure that protects personnel, specimens, and the environment during work with potentially infectious materials.
BSL Biosafety Level:
A graded containment designation that determines facility, equipment, and procedural safeguards for handling biological agents.
BUN Blood Urea Nitrogen:
A chemistry measurement used with creatinine and other findings to assess kidney function and hydration status.
C
CA-AKI Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury:
Acute kidney injury occurring after intravascular contrast administration, regardless of whether contrast is proven to be the cause.
CAD Computer-Aided Detection:
Software that marks or prioritizes potential abnormalities on medical images to support, rather than replace, professional interpretation.
CAP College of American Pathologists:
A professional organization that accredits laboratories and provides proficiency testing, checklists, and quality standards.
CBC Complete Blood Count:
A core hematology test measuring red cells, white cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and related indices.
CDLT Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test:
A Medicare classification encompassing laboratory services paid under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and subject to applicable coverage and reporting rules.
CDSM Clinical Decision Support Mechanism:
An electronic tool that consults approved appropriateness criteria when clinicians order specified advanced diagnostic imaging services.
CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen:
A tumor marker most often used to monitor treatment response or recurrence in selected cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
CE-IVD Conformité Européenne—in vitro diagnostic:
A designation indicating that an in vitro diagnostic device is placed on the European market under applicable conformity requirements.
cfDNA Cell-Free DNA:
DNA fragments circulating outside cells that can be analyzed for prenatal screening, transplant monitoring, oncology, and other molecular applications.
CLFS Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule:
The Medicare payment schedule for most outpatient clinical laboratory tests, making it central to pricing and reimbursement analysis.
CLIA Chemiluminescence Immunoassay:
An immunoassay method that measures light generated by a chemical reaction to detect or quantify analytes with high sensitivity.
CLIA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments:
The federal regulatory framework establishing quality standards for human diagnostic laboratory testing in the United States.
CLSI Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute:
A standards-development organization whose consensus documents guide test methods, quality control, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and laboratory operations.
CMP Comprehensive Metabolic Panel:
A group of chemistry tests used to assess metabolic status, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and calcium.
CMR Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance:
Magnetic resonance imaging specialized for evaluating cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, blood flow, tissue characteristics, and vascular disease.
CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:
The federal agency responsible for Medicare payment policies, laboratory certification oversight, and numerous coverage requirements affecting diagnostic providers.
CNR Contrast-to-Noise Ratio:
An image-quality measure comparing signal differences between tissues or structures with background noise.
CNV Copy Number Variant:
A gain or loss of genomic material that may be detected and interpreted in constitutional, reproductive, or cancer genetic testing.
CP Clinical Pathology:
The branch of pathology covering laboratory analysis of blood, urine, body fluids, and other specimens through chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and related disciplines.
CPT Current Procedural Terminology:
The American Medical Association code set used to describe laboratory tests and imaging procedures for ordering, billing, and reimbursement.
CR Computed Radiography:
A digital radiography method that captures X-ray images on reusable photostimulable imaging plates before electronic processing.
CRP C-Reactive Protein:
An acute-phase protein measured to evaluate inflammation, infection, and selected cardiovascular risks.
CSF Cerebrospinal Fluid:
Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord that may undergo chemistry, microbiology, hematology, cytology, and molecular testing.
CT Computed Tomography:
An X-ray imaging modality that reconstructs cross-sectional and volumetric views for rapid evaluation of anatomy and disease.
CTA Computed Tomography Angiography:
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography optimized to evaluate arteries, veins, aneurysms, stenoses, emboli, and other vascular conditions.
CTDIvol Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index:
A standardized scanner output metric displayed for a computed tomography examination and used in protocol optimization and dose monitoring.
ctDNA Circulating Tumor DNA:
Tumor-derived DNA fragments in blood or other body fluids that can support treatment selection, response monitoring, and detection of residual or recurrent disease.
CTP Computed Tomography Perfusion:
Dynamic imaging that quantifies tissue blood flow and related parameters, commonly used in stroke and selected oncologic evaluations.
CV Coefficient of Variation:
A precision statistic expressing standard deviation as a percentage of the mean, widely used to monitor laboratory assay variability.
CXR Chest X-Ray:
A common radiographic examination used to assess the lungs, heart, mediastinum, chest wall, and support devices.
D
DAP Dose-Area Product:
A radiation-dose metric combining air kerma with the exposed field area, commonly monitored in fluoroscopic and radiographic procedures.
DBT Digital Breast Tomosynthesis:
A mammographic technique that acquires projections from multiple angles to create thin breast slices and reduce tissue-overlap limitations.
DICOM Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine:
The principal standard for formatting, transmitting, storing, and displaying medical images and associated information.
DLP Dose-Length Product:
A computed tomography dose metric calculated from scanner output and scan length, often used to estimate total examination exposure.
DOT United States Department of Transportation:
The federal department whose hazardous-material rules affect packaging and ground transport of certain specimens, chemicals, and radioactive materials.
DR Digital Radiography:
An X-ray imaging method that converts exposures directly or indirectly into electronic images for immediate review and processing.
DRL Diagnostic Reference Level:
A benchmark used to identify unusually high or low radiation doses for common examinations and support protocol optimization.
DWI Diffusion-Weighted Imaging:
A magnetic resonance technique sensitive to water-motion restriction, valuable in acute stroke, oncology, infection, and tissue characterization.
DXA Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry:
A low-dose imaging technique used primarily to measure bone mineral density and body composition.
E
EDTA Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid:
An anticoagulant commonly used in specimen tubes for hematology and selected molecular or blood bank testing.
eGFR Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate:
A calculated indicator of kidney filtration used in chronic kidney disease assessment and decisions about contrast administration.
EIA Enzyme Immunoassay:
An analytical method using enzyme-labeled reagents to detect or quantify antigens, antibodies, hormones, drugs, and other analytes.
ELISA Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay:
A plate-based immunoassay used to detect or measure antibodies, antigens, proteins, and other targets.
EQA External Quality Assessment:
Independent comparison of laboratory performance using external samples or data to verify accuracy and identify improvement needs.
ESR Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate:
A nonspecific blood test used to detect and monitor inflammatory activity.
EUA Emergency Use Authorization:
A regulatory mechanism allowing temporary use of qualifying unapproved diagnostic products or unapproved uses during declared public health emergencies.
F
FDA United States Food and Drug Administration:
The federal agency that regulates diagnostic devices, imaging equipment, contrast agents, radiopharmaceuticals, and many laboratory reagents.
FDG Fluorodeoxyglucose:
A glucose analog that, when radiolabeled, serves as the most common positron emission tomography tracer for measuring tissue metabolism.
FFDM Full-Field Digital Mammography:
A digital breast imaging technique that captures the entire breast field electronically for screening or diagnostic interpretation.
FFPE Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded:
A standard tissue-preservation method that supports histology, immunohistochemistry, and many molecular assays.
FISH Fluorescence in situ Hybridization:
A cytogenetic technique using fluorescent probes to detect targeted chromosomal changes, gene rearrangements, amplifications, or deletions.
FLAIR Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery:
A magnetic resonance sequence that suppresses free-fluid signal to improve visualization of lesions near cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
A technique that maps brain activity through blood-oxygenation changes, often supporting presurgical planning and neuroscience evaluation.
FNA Fine-Needle Aspiration:
A minimally invasive sampling procedure that obtains cells or fluid for cytologic evaluation, often under image guidance.
FOV Field of View:
The anatomical area included in an acquired or reconstructed image, affecting coverage, spatial resolution, and protocol design.
FSC Forward Scatter:
A flow cytometry signal that generally correlates with cell size and supports cell-population identification and gating.
FSE Fast Spin Echo:
A magnetic resonance pulse sequence that accelerates image acquisition by collecting multiple echoes after each excitation.
G
GBCA Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent:
A class of magnetic resonance contrast agents used to improve tissue and vascular characterization, with selection influenced by renal function and safety profile.
GC-MS Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry:
An analytical platform that separates volatile compounds and identifies them by mass, often used for toxicology and confirmatory testing.
GFR Glomerular Filtration Rate:
A measure of kidney filtration capacity used in renal assessment and imaging contrast-risk evaluation.
GGT Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase:
An enzyme measured to evaluate hepatobiliary disease and help determine the source of elevated alkaline phosphatase.
H
HbA1c Hemoglobin A1c:
A glycated hemoglobin measurement reflecting average blood glucose over approximately two to three months and used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
HCPCS Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System:
A standardized coding system used for Medicare and other payer claims, including certain diagnostic tests, supplies, drugs, and technical services.
HDL High-Density Lipoprotein:
A cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein measured as part of cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid testing.
H&E Hematoxylin and Eosin:
The standard histology stain used to visualize cell nuclei, cytoplasm, and tissue architecture for microscopic diagnosis.
HIDA Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid:
A class of radiopharmaceutical tracers used in nuclear medicine to assess gallbladder and biliary system function.
HLA Human Leukocyte Antigen:
Cell-surface proteins tested for transplant compatibility, disease associations, platelet matching, and selected pharmacogenetic applications.
HPLC High-Performance Liquid Chromatography:
A separation technique used to identify and quantify drugs, metabolites, hemoglobin variants, vitamins, and other analytes.
HRCT High-Resolution Computed Tomography:
A thin-section imaging technique optimized for detailed assessment of lung parenchyma and other fine anatomical structures.
hs-CRP High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein:
A sensitive assay for low concentrations of C-reactive protein, most commonly used in cardiovascular risk assessment.
HU Hounsfield Unit:
A standardized computed tomography value representing X-ray attenuation, used to characterize tissues, fluid, fat, air, calcification, and contrast enhancement.
I
IAC Intersocietal Accreditation Commission:
An accrediting organization for diagnostic imaging facilities in areas including vascular testing, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.
IATA International Air Transport Association:
An industry organization whose dangerous-goods requirements govern air shipment of many diagnostic specimens and infectious substances.
ICD-10-CM International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification:
The diagnosis coding system used in the United States to document medical necessity and support claims for laboratory and imaging services.
ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry:
A highly sensitive analytical method used to measure trace elements, toxic metals, and other inorganic analytes.
IDTF Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility:
A Medicare supplier classification for entities furnishing diagnostic tests independently of a physician office or hospital, with specific enrollment and operational requirements.
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission:
A standards organization whose requirements address the safety and performance of medical electrical and imaging equipment.
IHC Immunohistochemistry:
A tissue-based method using antibodies to identify proteins, classify tumors, determine origin, and evaluate predictive or prognostic biomarkers.
INR International Normalized Ratio:
A standardized calculation based on prothrombin time that supports monitoring of vitamin K antagonist therapy and comparison across laboratories.
IQC Internal Quality Control:
Routine use of control materials and statistical rules to verify that an analytical process remains stable before patient results are released.
IQCP Individualized Quality Control Plan:
A risk-based laboratory quality-control approach that evaluates the testing process and establishes controls appropriate to the specific test system and environment.
ISH In Situ Hybridization:
A method using labeled nucleic acid probes to locate specific DNA or RNA sequences within cells or tissue sections.
ISO 15189 International Organization for Standardization 15189—Medical laboratories—Requirements for quality and competence:
An international standard specifying quality-management and technical-competence requirements for medical laboratories.
IUO Investigational Use Only:
A labeling designation for diagnostic products restricted to investigational use and not cleared for routine clinical diagnosis.
IVD In Vitro Diagnostic:
A reagent, instrument, software product, or system intended to examine human specimens for diagnostic, monitoring, screening, or compatibility purposes.
IVDR In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation:
The European Union regulatory framework governing market access, performance evidence, surveillance, and oversight of in vitro diagnostic devices.
K
KAP Kerma-Area Product:
A measure of radiation output multiplied by beam area, used to monitor patient exposure during radiography and fluoroscopy.
KUB Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder:
A plain abdominal radiographic examination focused on the urinary tract and surrounding abdominal structures.
L
LAMP Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification:
A rapid nucleic acid amplification method performed at a constant temperature, enabling relatively simple molecular detection workflows.
LAS Laboratory Automation System:
An integrated set of instruments and software that automates specimen handling, testing, routing, storage, or other laboratory workflow steps.
LCD Local Coverage Determination:
A Medicare Administrative Contractor policy defining whether and under what conditions a service is covered within its jurisdiction.
LC-MS/MS Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry:
A high-specificity analytical platform widely used for toxicology, endocrinology, therapeutic drug monitoring, and confirmatory testing.
LDCT Low-Dose Computed Tomography:
A computed tomography technique using reduced radiation exposure, notably for lung cancer screening and selected follow-up examinations.
LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase:
An enzyme measured as a nonspecific indicator of tissue injury, hemolysis, malignancy, and other disease processes.
LDL Low-Density Lipoprotein:
A cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein measured or calculated as a major marker for atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and treatment monitoring.
LDT Laboratory Developed Test:
An in vitro diagnostic test designed, manufactured, and used within a single clinical laboratory, subject to applicable laboratory and regulatory requirements.
LFT Liver Function Tests:
A commonly used collective term for chemistry tests that evaluate hepatocellular injury, cholestasis, and aspects of liver synthetic function.
LIMS Laboratory Information Management System:
Software used to manage samples, workflows, inventories, analytical data, and traceability, especially in complex or high-volume laboratory environments.
LI-RADS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System:
A standardized framework for interpreting and reporting liver imaging in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.
LIS Laboratory Information System:
The operational system used to receive orders, manage specimens, interface instruments, validate results, and deliver laboratory reports.
LoB Limit of Blank:
The highest apparent analyte result expected when testing samples containing no analyte, used in determining low-level assay performance.
LOD Limit of Detection:
The lowest amount of an analyte that an assay can reliably distinguish from absence, though not necessarily quantify accurately.
LOINC Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes:
A standardized terminology for identifying laboratory tests and clinical observations across ordering, results exchange, analytics, and public health reporting.
LOQ Limit of Quantitation:
The lowest analyte concentration that can be measured with predefined accuracy and precision.
Lung-RADS Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System:
A standardized assessment and management framework for low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening examinations.
M
MALDI-TOF Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight:
A mass spectrometry method used for rapid identification of microorganisms and selected molecular or protein analyses.
MCH Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin:
A complete blood count index representing the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
MCHC Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration:
A hematology index representing the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
MCV Mean Corpuscular Volume:
A hematology index measuring average red blood cell size and supporting classification of anemia.
MIBI Methoxyisobutylisonitrile:
A ligand used in technetium-99m sestamibi radiopharmaceuticals for myocardial perfusion, parathyroid, and selected tumor imaging.
MIC Minimum Inhibitory Concentration:
The lowest antimicrobial concentration that prevents visible growth of a microorganism, informing susceptibility interpretation and therapy.
MIP Maximum Intensity Projection:
A post-processing technique that displays the highest-intensity voxel along each viewing ray, commonly highlighting vessels, nodules, and radiotracer uptake.
MIPPA Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008:
A federal law that established accreditation requirements for suppliers furnishing specified advanced diagnostic imaging services to Medicare beneficiaries.
MLPA Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification:
A molecular method used to detect targeted copy-number changes across multiple genomic regions in a single assay.
MLS Medical Laboratory Scientist:
A qualified laboratory professional who performs, evaluates, and troubleshoots moderate- and high-complexity diagnostic testing.
MLT Medical Laboratory Technician:
A laboratory professional who performs diagnostic testing within the individual’s education, certification, and regulatory scope.
MPPR Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction:
A reimbursement policy that reduces payment for certain components when multiple imaging procedures are furnished to the same patient during a defined period.
MPR Multiplanar Reconstruction:
A post-processing technique that reformats volumetric imaging data into alternative anatomical planes without repeating the scan.
MQSA Mammography Quality Standards Act:
The federal law establishing certification, personnel, equipment, quality-assurance, recordkeeping, and inspection requirements for mammography facilities.
MRA Magnetic Resonance Angiography:
A magnetic resonance technique used to visualize arteries and evaluate stenosis, aneurysm, dissection, and other vascular disease.
MRCP Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography:
A noninvasive magnetic resonance technique for visualizing the biliary and pancreatic ducts.
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
A modality using magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy to create detailed images without ionizing radiation.
MRS Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy:
A technique that measures tissue metabolites to supplement anatomical imaging in selected neurologic, oncologic, and metabolic evaluations.
MRV Magnetic Resonance Venography:
A magnetic resonance technique optimized to visualize veins and evaluate thrombosis, obstruction, and venous anatomy.
MSK Musculoskeletal:
A clinical imaging subspecialty and protocol category covering bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and related soft tissues.
MTF Modulation Transfer Function:
A technical measure of how accurately an imaging system reproduces object contrast across different spatial frequencies.
MU Measurement Uncertainty:
A quantified estimate of doubt associated with a measured laboratory result, supporting method evaluation and result interpretation.
N
NAAT Nucleic Acid Amplification Test:
A molecular test that amplifies target DNA or RNA to detect infectious agents, genetic variants, or other sequences with high analytical sensitivity.
NCD National Coverage Determination:
A nationwide Medicare policy specifying whether and under what conditions a diagnostic service is covered.
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association:
A standards organization that publishes performance and interoperability specifications for imaging equipment and related systems.
NGS Next-Generation Sequencing:
Massively parallel sequencing technology used for multigene panels, exomes, genomes, oncology profiling, infectious disease testing, and other molecular applications.
NM Nuclear Medicine:
A diagnostic imaging discipline that uses radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate physiology, metabolism, organ function, and disease.
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance:
The physical phenomenon underlying magnetic resonance imaging and certain laboratory spectroscopy methods.
NMTCB Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board:
A credentialing organization for nuclear medicine technologists and selected advanced imaging specialties.
NPS Noise Power Spectrum:
An imaging physics measure describing the magnitude and spatial-frequency distribution of image noise.
NRC United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
The federal agency that regulates civilian use of radioactive materials, including licensed activities involving many diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
NSF Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis:
A rare fibrosing disorder associated with certain gadolinium-based contrast exposures, primarily in patients with severe renal impairment.
NT-proBNP N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide:
A cardiac biomarker used to support heart failure diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment monitoring.
O
O-RADS Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System:
A standardized framework for classifying ovarian and adnexal lesions on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and guiding management.
P
PACS Picture Archiving and Communication System:
The primary platform for storing, retrieving, distributing, and viewing medical images within an imaging operation.
PAMA Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014:
A federal law with major implications for laboratory payment rate setting and appropriate-use consultation for specified advanced diagnostic imaging.
PC Professional Component:
The portion of a diagnostic service payment associated with physician interpretation, supervision, and reporting rather than equipment and technical resources.
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction:
A molecular method that amplifies selected DNA sequences for infectious disease, genetic, oncology, and other diagnostic applications.
PET Positron Emission Tomography:
A nuclear imaging modality that maps the distribution of positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to assess metabolism and physiology.
PET/CT Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography:
A hybrid modality combining molecular or metabolic information with cross-sectional anatomical localization.
PET/MRI Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
A hybrid modality combining molecular imaging with high-contrast magnetic resonance anatomy and functional techniques.
PI-RADS Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System:
A standardized system for acquiring, interpreting, and reporting multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance examinations.
PLA Proprietary Laboratory Analyses:
A category of procedure codes assigned to specific proprietary laboratory tests, often involving advanced molecular or algorithmic analyses.
PLT Platelet Count:
A hematology measurement used to evaluate bleeding risk, marrow function, thrombocytopenia, and thrombocytosis.
POC Point of Care:
The patient-care location where testing is performed outside the central laboratory to provide rapid clinical information.
POCT Point-of-Care Testing:
Diagnostic testing performed near the patient, requiring oversight of devices, operators, quality control, competency, and result connectivity.
PPE Personal Protective Equipment:
Gloves, gowns, face protection, respirators, and other equipment used to reduce exposure to biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
PSA Prostate-Specific Antigen:
A blood biomarker used in prostate cancer screening decisions, risk assessment, treatment monitoring, and recurrence surveillance.
PT Proficiency Testing:
External testing of challenge specimens used to assess laboratory accuracy, compare performance, and meet regulatory or accreditation requirements.
PT Prothrombin Time:
A coagulation assay evaluating the extrinsic and common clotting pathways and supporting monitoring of vitamin K antagonist therapy.
Q
QA Quality Assurance:
The planned system of policies, reviews, and controls used to ensure diagnostic services consistently meet defined quality and safety requirements.
QC Quality Control:
Operational checks used to verify that assays, imaging equipment, processes, and outputs perform within established limits.
QMS Quality Management System:
The coordinated framework of governance, documents, processes, indicators, audits, and corrective actions used to manage diagnostic quality.
QNS Quantity Not Sufficient:
A specimen status indicating inadequate volume for valid testing, often requiring recollection and affecting turnaround time and patient experience.
qPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction:
A real-time molecular method that monitors amplification to detect and quantify target nucleic acids.
R
RBC Red Blood Cell Count:
A hematology measurement of erythrocyte concentration used with related indices to evaluate anemia, polycythemia, and other disorders.
RBM Radiology Benefit Manager:
An organization that administers imaging utilization management, prior authorization, network, and related services on behalf of health plans.
RCF Relative Centrifugal Force:
The force applied to a specimen during centrifugation, expressed relative to gravity and used to standardize specimen-processing protocols.
RF Radiofrequency:
Electromagnetic energy used to excite tissue and encode signals during magnetic resonance imaging.
RF Rheumatoid Factor:
An autoantibody measured to support evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis and selected autoimmune or infectious conditions.
RIA Radioimmunoassay:
An immunoassay technique using radiolabeled reagents to measure very low concentrations of hormones, drugs, and other analytes.
RIS Radiology Information System:
Software that manages imaging orders, scheduling, patient tracking, reporting workflows, billing information, and operational data.
RLU Relative Light Unit:
An instrument-specific measure of luminescent signal used in chemiluminescent and bioluminescent assays.
ROI Region of Interest:
A selected area or volume on an image from which quantitative measurements such as signal, density, uptake, or size are derived.
RPR Rapid Plasma Reagin:
A nontreponemal blood test used to screen for syphilis and monitor treatment response.
RSO Radiation Safety Officer:
The designated individual responsible for overseeing licensed radioactive-material use, radiation-protection procedures, monitoring, training, and regulatory compliance.
RT-PCR Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction:
A molecular method that converts RNA into complementary DNA before amplification, enabling detection of RNA viruses and gene expression.
RUO Research Use Only:
A labeling designation for products intended for research and not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.
RVU Relative Value Unit:
A standardized measure used in physician payment methodologies to reflect work, practice expense, and professional liability associated with a service.
S
SAR Specific Absorption Rate:
A measure of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body during magnetic resonance imaging and a key parameter in patient safety monitoring.
SD Standard Deviation:
A statistical measure of dispersion used extensively in laboratory quality control, method validation, and performance monitoring.
SDS Safety Data Sheet:
A standardized document describing a chemical’s hazards, handling precautions, storage requirements, exposure controls, and emergency measures.
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
An image-quality metric comparing useful signal with background noise and influencing visibility, resolution, and protocol choices.
SOP Standard Operating Procedure:
A controlled document specifying how a recurring testing, imaging, safety, or administrative process must be performed.
SPECT Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography:
A nuclear medicine technique that reconstructs three-dimensional radiopharmaceutical distribution from gamma-camera projections.
SPECT/CT Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography:
A hybrid modality that combines functional nuclear imaging with anatomical localization and attenuation correction.
SPEP Serum Protein Electrophoresis:
A laboratory method separating serum proteins into fractions to help detect monoclonal proteins and other protein abnormalities.
SSDE Size-Specific Dose Estimate:
A computed tomography dose estimate that adjusts scanner output metrics for patient size to better approximate absorbed dose.
SST Serum Separator Tube:
A blood collection tube containing a clot activator and gel barrier to facilitate separation of serum for testing.
SUV Standardized Uptake Value:
A semiquantitative positron emission tomography measure used to compare radiotracer concentration in tissue after normalization for patient and dose factors.
SWI Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging:
A magnetic resonance technique sensitive to blood products, iron, calcification, and venous structures.
T
TAT Turnaround Time:
The elapsed time between defined workflow points, such as specimen receipt and result release or imaging completion and final report, used as a core service metric.
TC Technical Component:
The portion of a diagnostic service associated with equipment, supplies, technologist work, facilities, and other non-physician resources.
TDM Therapeutic Drug Monitoring:
Measurement and interpretation of drug concentrations to support effective dosing while reducing toxicity or treatment failure.
TEa Total Allowable Error:
The maximum combined analytical error considered acceptable for a laboratory measurement, used in quality planning and performance evaluation.
TIBC Total Iron-Binding Capacity:
A laboratory measurement reflecting blood capacity to bind iron, used with iron and ferritin results to assess iron status.
TI-RADS Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System:
A standardized ultrasound framework for classifying thyroid nodules and determining when follow-up or biopsy is appropriate.
TLA Total Laboratory Automation:
An integrated automation model linking preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical processes to improve throughput, consistency, and specimen traceability.
TOF Time of Flight:
A timing principle used in positron emission tomography reconstruction and magnetic resonance angiography to improve localization or visualize flowing blood.
TSH Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone:
The primary screening laboratory measurement for assessing thyroid function and guiding follow-up testing.
TTE Transthoracic Echocardiography:
A noninvasive cardiac ultrasound examination performed through the chest wall to assess cardiac structure, function, valves, and blood flow.
U
UA Urinalysis:
Physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine used to evaluate urinary tract disease, kidney function, diabetes, and other conditions.
UDS Urine Drug Screen:
A presumptive test for selected drug classes or metabolites that may require confirmation by a more specific analytical method.
ULDCT Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography:
A computed tomography technique designed to obtain diagnostically useful images at radiation levels substantially below conventional protocols.
UPEP Urine Protein Electrophoresis:
A laboratory method that separates urinary proteins to help evaluate monoclonal gammopathies and abnormal protein excretion.
US Ultrasound:
An imaging modality using high-frequency sound waves to evaluate anatomy, motion, and blood flow without ionizing radiation.
V
VAF Variant Allele Frequency:
The proportion of sequencing reads containing a genetic variant, used in assay quality assessment and interpretation of tumor or mosaic findings.
VNA Vendor Neutral Archive:
A standards-based repository that stores medical images and related content independently of a particular imaging system vendor.
V/Q Ventilation/Perfusion:
A nuclear medicine lung examination comparing airflow and blood flow, most commonly used to evaluate suspected pulmonary embolism.
VR Volume Rendering:
A three-dimensional post-processing technique that assigns opacity and color to volumetric imaging data for anatomical visualization and planning.
VUS Variant of Uncertain Significance:
A genetic alteration for which available evidence is insufficient to classify it as pathogenic or benign, requiring cautious reporting and management.
W
WBC White Blood Cell Count:
A hematology measurement used to assess infection, inflammation, immune disorders, marrow function, and treatment effects.
WES Whole-Exome Sequencing:
Sequencing of most protein-coding regions of the genome to identify variants associated with inherited disease or cancer.
WGS Whole-Genome Sequencing:
Sequencing of nearly the entire genome to detect a broad range of genetic variants for clinical, public health, and research applications.